Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Most current policies now cover COVID to some extent — typically medical expenses if you contract COVID overseas, and it's a built-in benefit (not an add-on) with several major insurers. Cover for trip cancellation due to a COVID diagnosis or government border closures still varies by insurer. Always check the specific policy's COVID-19 terms in the PDS.

Do I need travel insurance for domestic trips?

Medicare covers medical costs within Australia, but domestic travel insurance covers: trip cancellation (lost flights/accommodation), luggage and personal items, rental car excess, and personal liability. Worth it for expensive domestic holidays.

§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Travel Insurance Calculator.

Estimate travel insurance costs for domestic and international trips. Compare cover levels for medical, cancellation, luggage, and adventure activities.

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd August 2026

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Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

A medical emergency overseas without insurance can be financially devastating — a broken leg in the US costs $20,000-$50,000+, an ICU stay $10,000+ per day, and emergency evacuation $50,000-$150,000. Travel insurance is cheap compared to these risks: typically $50-$300 for a 2-week international trip. It also covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and travel delays.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Family Holiday to Bali, 10 Days

Family of 4, standard tourism, $6,000 total trip cost.

Standard cover estimated: $180-$300 for the family. Medical cover: $unlimited. Cancellation: up to $6,000. Luggage: $5,000-$10,000. Without insurance: a child's broken arm could cost $5,000-$15,000 at a private hospital.

Skiing Trip to Japan, 2 Weeks

Couple, snow sports, $8,000 trip cost.

Comprehensive + snow sports add-on: $250-$400 for the couple. Snow sports injuries are expensive — ACL reconstruction in Japan: $15,000-$25,000. Emergency evacuation from a ski resort: $20,000+. The $300 premium is trivial compared to the risk.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Medical Evacuation

Emergency transport to the nearest adequate medical facility. Can cost $50,000-$150,000+ without insurance.

Trip Cancellation

Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

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How to use

01Select your destination and trip duration.
02Choose the number of travellers.
03Enter the total prepaid trip cost (for cancellation cover).
04Select your preferred cover level.
05Add adventure activities if applicable.
06See estimated premium and cover breakdown.

Key info

Medicare does NOT cover you overseas (except limited reciprocal agreements with 11 countries).
USA medical costs are the highest in the world — always get unlimited or high-limit medical cover.
Trip cancellation cover reimburses prepaid costs if you can't travel due to illness, injury, or other listed events.
Adventure activities (skiing, scuba, etc.) are typically excluded from standard policies.

Pro tips

Buy insurance as soon as you book — cancellation cover starts immediately, protecting your prepaid costs.
If you travel 3+ times a year, annual multi-trip policies are much cheaper than single-trip policies.
Read the PDS for COVID-19 cover — policies vary widely on pandemic-related claims.
Check your credit card — some premium cards include complimentary travel insurance (compare the cover level).

Avoid these

Not getting travel insurance at all — 'I'll be fine' is not a strategy when a US hospital bill can bankrupt you.
Buying insurance after the trip has started — pre-existing events and known circumstances won't be covered.
Not declaring pre-existing medical conditions — undisclosed conditions can void the entire policy.
Assuming skiing/scuba is covered on a standard policy — adventure activities need specific add-ons.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.

Last updated · August 2026